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It won’t be long before Peyton Manning maps out his future, and it says here that Miami is the call. Here’s why, with a look at other options:

– New York: Too much craziness. Let that be Eli’s town.

– San Francisco: Who’s to argue with Jerry Rice, pushing hard for Manning? It just seems crazy to change quarterbacks after the team went 13-3. Alex Smith hasn’t peaked, and he’ll surely have better wide receivers at hand. Seriously: You just don’t mess with this.

– Houston: Huge contender in the Manning sweepstakes with running back Arian Foster, wide receiver Andre Johnson and the look of a Super Bowl contender. But the current QB, Matt Schaub (if healthy), can take the Texans there.

– Denver: Nobody’s more conflicted than John Elway, but as much as it hurts, the Broncos must ride out the national phenomenon that is Tim Tebow.

– Washington: Joke of an owner (Daniel Snyder). Bad vibes around that franchise.

– Jacksonville and Tampa Bay: If he’s going to Florida, it won’t be either of these outposts.

– Minnesota and Arizona: People close to Manning say he’s an AFC guy, and there’s not enough here (sorry, Larry Fitzgerald) to change that.

– Seattle and Kansas City: Can’t think of a single reason in either case.

– Tennessee: This would take Manning back to his collegiate roots, but the Titans believe they have something in Jake Locker.

Manning’s former Indianapolis coach, Tony Dungy, dropped a key phrase the other day, saying, “Peyton is a creature of habit.” He’s had a place in Miami for years. His wife and kids love it there. Familiarity will be a huge factor, and all of those annoying distractions – finding a house, schools, acclimating to a community – wouldn’t be in play.

The man does have an ego, as well. Miami is a glitzy, high-profile city with a history of luring the big names: LeBron James, Pat Riley, Bill Parcells, Shaquille O’Neal, Jose Reyes. Some doubt the wisdom of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, but he’s got the resources. Manning, who grew up following the Dolphins and Dan Marino, won’t be able to resist.